US EditionWashington state lawmaker admits to being drunk during committee vote
- On Feb. 25, House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon admitted he was impaired during a House Appropriations Committee meeting and apologized Thursday.
- During an executive session on House Bill 2289, the 4 p.m. hearing ran into the evening as lawmakers worked on a $1.8 billion deficit.
- Shortly after 6 p.m., TVW video shows Fitzgibbon glassy-eyed and slurring words before a committee chair called a recess to remove him, though he returned soon and several members said he was impaired.
- House Speaker Laurie Jinkins said Rep. Fitzgibbon fell short of professionalism and leadership stands with him as the meeting ran until shortly after 10 p.m.; possible disciplinary process remains unclear.
- Given Fitzgibbon's leadership role since 2022, colleagues warned that his conduct raises questions about Appropriations Committee professionalism, echoing a 2018 DUI precedent involving Rep. Dan Ormsby.
30 Articles
30 Articles
Dem Washington House majority leader Joe Fitzgibbon apologizes for being ‘impaired’ during budget hearing: ‘Made a poor choice’
Democratic state Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, the state House majority leader, said it was a "serious mistake for many reasons" when he appeared at a House Appropriations Committee meeting Wednesday where he discussed the operating budget.
KHQ Right Now
NBC Right NowWashington State House leader apologizes for attending meeting intoxicated
OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington State House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon has issued an apology after appearing intoxicated at a House Appropriations Committee meeting in Olympia.
Washington state lawmaker admits to being drunk during committee vote
OLYMPIA — House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon has issued an apology after showing up intoxicated during Wednesday evening’s House Appropriations Committee meeting.The Seattle Democrat said in a statement Thursday that he “deeply” regrets consuming alcohol before the work of the committee was completed, saying he made a serious mistake and that “the result was obvious.”
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